Fun Day and pickles highlight Fresno Farmers Market

Looking for something fun for the entire family to do this weekend? Well look no further than the Fresno Farmers Market.

We will be hosting our fifth annual Family Fun Day Saturday in the heart of downtown Fresno. There will be live music, games for the kids and fabulous barbeque. Just look for the big top tent in the middle of the market.

Along with all the fun, food and entertainment there promises to be all the freshness of farm to table that everyone has grown accustomed to here at the Fresno Market. Fresh and local produce galore, not to mention all the wonderful homemade artisan baked goods and handmade crafts that are just waiting to be discovered.

Last weekend I couldn't help but smile when long time vendor Paul Warren set up his stand, featuring his just picked cucumbers from his famous pickle patch. With help from his daughter, Janet Moore, Warren sold an entire pickup truck full of pickles. Did I mention that Paul is 88 years young and still tends his own garden, as he has done for decades. So it just goes to show you no matter your age or your physical condition you never grow tired of farm to table goodness and the desire to share it with others. So a big thank you goes out to this father and daughter team for bringing us such fresh and local produce. So this week's recipe goes out to Paul and his pickle patch, from my grandmother's recipe box from many years ago.

We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend for some good old-fashion farm market fun – and pickles.

Information from Julia Brown of the Fresno Farmers Market open 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, rain or shine, at McCoy's Auto, 26214 Township Road 1045. For more information, call 740-545-0849 or 740-545-0997.

Easy Refrigerator Pickles

•1 nice mess of small cucumbers (sliced or if small enough left whole)

•1 qt. apple cider vinegar

•1 qt. water

•2 cups sugar

•1 tbsp. whole black peppercorns

•4-5 whole cloves garlic

•1 med. sweet onion sliced

•2 large fresh dill heads

•1 tsp. salt

In large glass gallon jar add cucumbers, peppercorns, onions, dill heads, salt and garlic. In a sauce pan heat vinegar, water and sugar to boiling. Pour over pickle mixture to cover, leaving about 1/2 inch to top of container. Secure lid and place in refrigerator for several weeks until flavors have infused. Will keep for up to 6 months in fridge.